What is area and why do we need to calculate it?

• Area?is the amount of space taken up by a two-dimensional shape
• Volume?deals with three-dimensional shapes and space
• Some of the uses of area are a little more obvious than some areas of maths
• Examples include working out the area of a floor if laying or purchasing a new carpet or the amount of land needed if designing a sports field

Area – using formulae

• There are some basic formulae you should know and be comfortable using
• Be aware that some area formulae use distances that aren’t necessarily one of the sides of the shape
• Make sure you know what the different letters in each formula are referring to

• These formulae are essential – anything more complicated will be given in the exam: